Newcastle United have handed promising youngster Joe White a new deal after fending off interest from Leeds and Chelsea - and now the attacking midfielder has been told go and prove himself on loan in the lower leagues.
White has signed for Hartlepool on loan in League Two for the remainder of the season as Newcastle start trimming down their squad ahead of deadline day.
The Cumbrian youngsters is set to be followed by Elliot Anderson while Matty Longstaff is another contender to be loaned out.
A United statement on White read: "Joe White has joined Hartlepool United on loan for the rest of the season.
"The 19-year-old midfielder, who hails from Carlisle, has been named on the bench on a handful of occasions this season - including for home and away games against Manchester United and the recent visit of Manchester City to St. James' Park.
"But, although he featured for United in pre-season, coming off the bench in a friendly at Rotherham in July before making another substitute appearance at Burton and starting in a practice match at Burnley, he has yet to make his senior competitive debut, so has been allowed to join Pools in order to add to his experience. "
Chronicle Live reported in November that White had been offered a new deal by the Magpies.
Newcastle, under new owners, were eager not to be stung again on a young talent after losing Bobby Clark to Liverpool last year.
The promising England youngster was expected to be the next big thing at Newcastle but failure to tie him down by Academy staff resulted in a painful exit.
